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Case Mod - In Progress Project: ALIENWARE ALX Case Mod...Final Assembly

Discussion in 'Project Logs' started by mnpctech, 19 Aug 2008.

  1. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    This Case Mod was done by bit-tech's MOTM Sponser, Mnpctech!
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    Customize your PC or window with custom Stickers from Mnpctech HERE

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    Update from page 6, 9/10

    After and Before
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    Thank you! Heres the final assembly

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    This case was sent to Mnpctech.com by our customer, who purchased it from Alienware's outlet store on Ebay. Before dropping your cash on one, read Alienware's policy! We received two different cases with different issues. The cases are classified as "Renewed" and returned as customer product evaluations or open-box returns. Alienware policy states "Renewed products may contain scratches, cracks, chips, wear, blemishes and/or similar flaws. However, IF you receive a case that you feel to be very badly damaged then we will consider an exchange. BUT that damage must be substantial (not just limited to a few scratches or scuffs)

    The first case sent from our customer had several plastic mounting tabs broken for the top and side panels. We had no way of replicating new plastic tabs, so we notified our customer about this and they had another case dropped to Mnpctech. The second was in much better condition with only these minor issues.

    1. Side panel latch cover sticks a bit, you have to press real firm to release it.
    2. The leds are removed from the Alien head badges. (standard procedure by Alienware)
    3. The back cover of the bay door had one broken plastic peg, but nothing detrimental.
    4. The case feet are real scratched, but this is expected with plastic feet.

    One annoyance that Alienware could avoid for their customers is using low tack painter's tape instead of "Scotch" tape to secure the panels during shipment. The Scotch tape leaves a sticky residue that may upset customer that didn't plan on painting the case.

    Alienware ALX arrives from Alienware's Outlet store
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    The chassis was manufactured by Chieftec.
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    Removing the Alienware's top plastic watercool radiator that enclosed Koolance EXOS radiator.
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    Location of 2x 80mm cooling intake fans (not included) in Alienware's renewed cases.
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    Behind the front bezel
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    By the customer request, we removed the center portions between the bars of the side panel vents. These will be sanded, and prepped for flat black paint. Modders Mesh will be mounted behind the bars.

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    The customer also requested we remove the lower portion of the 3.5 hard drive cage. This involved drilling out several of the factory pop rivets to remove the cage.

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    The modified cage re-installed. It now provides more floor space in the chassis for watercooling components.

    Our customer also requested a window in his Alienware ALX's left side panel. The ALX design incorporates a plastic shell over it's aluminum case panel. You must cut two windows in the panel in order to see inside the case. This is a basic run through of what was involved in making the window. If you're attempting to perform this same mod, feel free to contact Mnpctech with any questions, pcbuilderATmnpctech.com

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    You're limited on what you can design for a window without compromising how the plastic shell fastens onto the side panel. The reason is that theres several plastic tabs on it's backside of the plastic that clip onto the inner aluminum panel. You should draw your window design inside of these fasten tabs.
    You'll also notice the backside of the plastic is reinforced in which I can only describe as a grate.
    I will post and link a photo in the next update of the backside.

    To draw out your design, I'll use either #2060 Green or #2090 Blue "low tack" painter's tape by Scotch/3M. You can buy these Home Depot or Ace Hardware stores. You also apply tape so you don't scratch up the panel with the jigsaw's steel guard.

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    Whenever I make a side panel window, I always use a jigsaw with a 18 TPI (teeth per inch) bi-metal cutting blade. I'll make the intial incision for the jigsaw blade with a rotary tool and 1.5" reinforced dremel cutting wheels

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    After your window is cut, you'll need to use a rounded side hand file to clean up the edges of you cut.

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    Your window isn't finished yet, remember we're dealing with two panels, not one. Apply the low tack tape onto the aluminum panel, then temporarily mount the plastic shell back onto the aluminum panel. Now trace out your first window onto the aluminum panel.

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    Then you follow the same procedure you did for cutting out the first panel.

    The planned paint theme for the case is all "Flat Black" while contemplating airbrushed carbon fiber accents depending upon our customer's wishes.

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    Last edited: 9 Feb 2012
  2. Burnout21

    Burnout21 Mmmm biscuits

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    appears i posted during an edit, sorry
     
  3. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    No worries! :thumb:
     
  4. Guest-23315

    Guest-23315 Guest

    I like the look of the ALX cases...

    I'll be watching :lol:
     
  5. barracuda

    barracuda What's a Dremel?

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    Nice.I've been waiting for quite some times to see someone modify the alienware case.Its finally here.
    I am gonna watch this.

    :thumb:
     
  6. KayinBlack

    KayinBlack Unrepentant Savage

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    I'm watching this one too, Bill. I'm considering this hardcore now that I can easily buy one...
     
  7. bigsharn

    bigsharn Officially demotivated

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    *Subscribed*

    I've always wondered how the ALX could be improved... now I shall find out:p
     
  8. E.E.L. Ambiense

    E.E.L. Ambiense Acrylic Heretic

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    Man, you weren't kidding Bill. That does look like carbon-fiber! Props to Brad, again.
     
  9. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    Thanks for checking this project guys :thumb: I will that I was impressed with the quality and the construction of the case, but it is by Chieftec! The only thing you have to be weary about is the plastic tabs for the outter shell.
     
  10. Tulatin

    Tulatin The Froggy Poster

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    So basically, Alienware charges you $180 for a dirty old chieftech with a few low quality plastic panels slapped on? I knew that they overcharged, but come on...
     
  11. ComputerKing

    ComputerKing <img src="http://forums.bit-tech.net/images/smilie

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  12. icutebluezone

    icutebluezone The meaning of life is to MOD

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    Dam dude at it again. nice work. This is going to be sweeeet. Looks mint already.
     
  13. brinkz0r

    brinkz0r Minimodder

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    That's not the prettiest case out there, I'll follow you on your journey to a yet another unique case ;)
     
  14. wbdog206

    wbdog206 not me

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    looks like it off to a good start.
     
  15. Colossous

    Colossous Minimodder

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    Nice start duder - subscribed :thumb:
     
  16. The boy 4rm oz

    The boy 4rm oz Project: Elegant-Li

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    Nice start mate. This is looking great.
     
  17. mnpctech

    mnpctech bit-tech sponsor

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    Thanks everybody, they've requested the entire case/chassis be painted "Flat Black"

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    If you've missed it, heres a video of us prepping and painting another PC chassis

     
  18. modgodtanvir

    modgodtanvir Prepare - for Mortal Bumbat!

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    Yeah! Flat black! Awesome colour for a chassis...

    This is going to look awesome!
    MGT
     
  19. .Fatality.

    .Fatality. What's a Dremel?

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    bill im your bigest fan! awsome paint!
     
  20. ComputerKing

    ComputerKing <img src="http://forums.bit-tech.net/images/smilie

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    no I'm his biggest fan not you :p
     
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